Specification
2. WATER ABSORPTION
The chart below shows the various levels of water absorption.
Impervious Tiles have the lowest absorption, 0.5% or less.
These are suitable for all applications.
Vitreous Tiles have a low absorption, 0.5- 3%. These are suitable for wet areas
and outdoor applications.
Semi-Vitreous Tiles are moderately absorbent, 3-7%. These can be used in most indoor
areas.
Non-Vitreous The most absorbent tiles, exhibiting more than 7.0%. These tiles should only
be used indoors where there is no moisture or humidity. If tile is installed
outside, it can crack due to freezing water.
3. FROST RESISTANCE
Frost rating denes a tile’s ability to withstand damage caused by freeze and thaw cycles as
determined by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). Tiles that are not able to with-
stand freeze and thaw cycles are not suitable for outdoor use.
4. SCRATCH HARDNESS - MOHS SCALE RATINGS
Scratch resistance denes the hardness of a tile as determined by Mohs scale. The test is
performed by scratching the surface of the tile with different minerals, the softest being talc (#1)
and the hardest being diamond (#10).
• A numerical value of #5 or greater means a tile is suitable for residential application.
• A numerical value of #7 or greater means a tile is suitable for commercial application.